News story

If you’re going out to scare, know what to wear

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has produced posters, leaflets and other materials to spread the word on keeping safe this Halloween.

Scare safely this Halloween

In its new campaign, OPSS is providing advice to help consumers to buy safe costumes and trick or treat safely.

Look for the CE mark on the label

Fancy dress costumes should be tested for flammability. The CE mark certifies it’s been tested.

Buy from a trusted store or website

If you’re shopping online, check who you are buying from. If it’s a third-party seller, find out as much about them as you can.

Read all the safety information

This includes on the label and online. If it’s clothing for small children, check for laces, drawstrings, and small, trailing or floaty parts.

Look for ratings and reviews from other customers

Other customers may have given feedback. Be savvy.

Is it safe? Check it hasn’t been recalled

Visit productrecall.campaign.gov.uk and check the costume hasn’t been recalled. It’s quick to do and could make a big difference.

Speak up if you find an issue

You can report safety issues to the retailer, website, seller and your local Citizens Advice team.

Help spread the word

You can follow our campaign on Twitter @OfficeforSandS - use #scaresafely to retweet - or help spread the word using the materials below which are free to download and use

Scare safely print poster 1

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Don't get tricked print poster 2

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Poster for immediate use

Scare safely online poster 1

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Don't get tricked online poster 2

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Leaflet PRINT

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Leaflet for immediate use

Leaflet ONLINE

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Digital materials

GIF 1 - Scare safely

GIF 2 - Don’t get tricked

Tweet 1 - scare safely

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Tweet 2 - know what to wear

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Tweet 3 - shopping online

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Tweet 4 - shop wisely

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Tweet 5 - beware rogue sellers

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email opss.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Updates to this page

Published 17 October 2019